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Tukaram Loyal user Iloilo, Philippines 227 Posts |
I had a Qualitex dual action pump (Green body) shipped from the US to the Philippines. Takes 2 months to ship, so I should have bought a few...
Anyway, I have used the pump on maybe 30 balloons (Qualitex 260's), and it has almost completely quit pumping. On the out stroke it does nothing, on the in stroke it pumps about half of what it used to. So basically worthless. Is there a way to repair the valves on the pump? I have looked online for diagrams and repair instructions and come up with nothing. They are cheap enough they are probably not worth repairing - but a replacement is 60 days away... Unfortunately the party is tomorrow, I went and bought 2 local pumps ($3 USD). It looks like I will be lucky if it makes it through the day. Ha ha Any ideas on repair? |
Karen Climer Veteran user Orlando, Florida 324 Posts |
I've never heard of one of them breaking. I thought they were basically indestructible. My only suggestion would be to check to be sure the black rubber circle is in the right place.
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Tukaram Loyal user Iloilo, Philippines 227 Posts |
That is why I was looking online for a diagram... I am not sure what is the right right place.
The large black ring with holes in it sits on the top of the pump. The diaphragm and o-ring seem to be running up and down the pump with each stroke (maybe sticking to the black cap). Looks like they should maybe stay with the pink screw on cap, to block those holes? Also, the entire thing inside is very sticky/gooey, like there was some lubricant inside that melted (I do live in the jungle so 85 degrees/85% humidity is normal - about like Orlando? ha ha). The cheap looking dual action pump I bought locally held up better than I thought. It got me through the party and is still working great. It is built different. The top black cap actually screws into the screw on top cap. So I am unsure how the Qualitex pump is supposed to be. |
Karen Climer Veteran user Orlando, Florida 324 Posts |
I have a purple pump, which I think (I hope) has the same construction as the green pump.
If you unscrew the pump part, there is the pink screw part, then a black 1"ring, and a smaller ring below that. Those should stay in place. Then you have plastic ring that's about 2.5" inches. It has 8 holes in it. That moves around. Then at the bottom of the pole there are two plastic round sections that are attached to the pole. The black ring I was referring to in my original post should be right in between those two plastic sections. In normal use, the black ring will stay in place, but it is possible to force it out of place. Mine have always stayed in place even with the heat and humidity, but I've heard of that piece getting out of place before. I hope this description makes sense. I don't really know what to call any of this pieces. |
Tukaram Loyal user Iloilo, Philippines 227 Posts |
I have been trying to post... something is wrong... or a few post will all show up later ha ha.... we shall see (ok this posted - guess pics are not loading)
That is what it looks like to me. The thin diaphragm and o-ring should stay with the pink cap, as the pump goes in and out. It is not. So there is no seal, thus no airflow. I will and see if I can rig the o-ring to stay in place (it holds the diaphragm in place. |
Tukaram Loyal user Iloilo, Philippines 227 Posts |
Trying the picture again... Finally...
Ok, it looks like the o-ring and the thin diaphragm should stay with the pink cap, but the o-ring is loose and just slides around higgledy-piggledy. If I was in the US I would just toss it and buy a new one....but I am in the Philippines, the pump is from the US, and IS a new one ha ha.... Life is tough all over. Click here to view attached image. |
Karen Climer Veteran user Orlando, Florida 324 Posts |
Yep, that's the problem. On mine, I can move the o-ring and diaphragm with my hands. But it is supposed to be snug to the pink part. Even if I move it, once I put the pump together and pump it, the o-ring and diaphragm re-position themselves and stay where they are supposed to.
If it's new, Qualatex will probably send you a new one. I would definitely contact them. I understand your dilemma of it taking forever to get to you, but at least you'll have a new one in a few weeks. |
Arty Twist New user 2 Posts |
I have found the new green and pink pumps feel great in your hands, but don't work as well as the old purple ones. I have one purple pump left. Doe's anyone know where I can get a purple Qualitex pump in Australia?
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lpmorgens New user 27 Posts |
Thanks!!!
I opened up my green pump that was weak and not pumping in the out motion... I found it totally gunked up!!! I think when we were experimenting with Hi Float... my only guess. I clean everything off with alcohol, and then fill the bottom with alcohol, gave it a few swishes, cleaned it off with a paper towel and a stick.... pumped it dry, and I could feel the pump getting stronger with each pump... Thanks again! |
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